Fluorescence sensing of Ag+ ions by desulfurization of an acetylthiourea derivative of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole

• Published in: Dyes and pigments Vol. 147; pp. 413 - 419
• Main Authors: Hwang, Keum Saem, Park, Ka Young, Kim, Da Bin, Chang, Suk-Kyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2017
• Subjects: 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole; Acetylthiourea; Ag+ sensing; Desulfurization; Fluorescence; Smartphone; Fluorescence; Desulfurization; Ag+ sensing; 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole; Smartphone; Acetylthiourea
• ISSN: 0143-7208; 1873-3743
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.08.041

A novel Ag+-selective reaction-based probe based on an acetylthiourea derivative of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole dye was investigated. The designed probe showed pronounced off-on type fluorescence signaling behavior towards Ag+ ions via Ag+-induced desulfurization of acetylthiourea to acetylurea. The signaling was superior to the analogous thioamide-to-amide conversion in terms of both speed and signaling contrast. Interference from thiophilic Hg2+ ions was effectively suppressed using the chelating agent EDTA as a masking agent. The practical application of the system to the detection of Ag+ in simulated wastewater with a detection limit of 0.76 μM using a smartphone as an easy-to-use data capturing and processing device was successfully demonstrated. [Display omitted] •A new reaction-based Ag+-selective fluorescence signaling probe has been explored.•Signaling was based on Ag+-induced desulfurization of acetylthiourea to acetylurea.•Interference from Hg2+ was effectively suppressed using EDTA as a masking agent.•The probe could easily determine Ag+ level in simulated wastewater using a smartphone.